Everton have stepped up their pursuit of Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda – but they will have to stave off competition from La Liga side Villarreal.

The Ligue 1 club captain is set to leave Stade Velodrome when his deal expires at the end of June and he is believed to have offers from across Europe and China.

According to L’Equipe, Mandanda is seriously considering offers tabled by Everton and Villarreal and the 31-year-old favours a switch to the Premier League.

Everton have made signing a goalkeeper their first priority in the close season, having lost Tim Howard to the MLS. The Merseysiders view the experienced Mandanda as the ideal replacement for the American.